In Nagpur, Maharashtra, the 'Maha Elgar' farmers' movement is gaining momentum even on its third day. Some protesters remain camped in the city, while others have returned to their destinations. A critical meeting in Mumbai today is expected to announce the date for loan waivers. Additionally, former MLA Bacchu Kadu is scheduled to meet with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
This crucial meeting in Mumbai will see the participation of farmer leaders Bacchu Kadu and Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, along with other notable figures like Raju Shetti, Ravikant Tupkar, Mahadev Jankar, Wamanrao Chatpat, and Ajit Navale. The pressing agenda is to announce the date for the long-awaited farmer loan waiver. It is noteworthy that Manoj Jarange Patil, a chief face of the Maratha reservation movement, is joining the farmers' protest today.
Source: aajtak
Farmers Block Highway
The tractor rally, which began on Tuesday from Chandurbazar in Amravati district, reached Nagpur on Wednesday, where thousands of farmers and PJAP activists blocked the Jamtaha flyover near the highway. This resulted in a 20-kilometer-long traffic jam causing significant inconvenience to the public.
Bombay HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance based on newspaper reports, directing the protestors to clear the highway by 6 p.m. The court stated that such protests violate people's constitutional right to move freely within the country. Following the court's decision, Kadu stated he would not disrespect it but would prepare for arrest if necessary.
After the High Court's order, Maharashtra government ministers Pankaj Bhoyar and Ashish Jaiswal engaged in talks with the protesters. Bhoyar conveyed Chief Minister Fadnavis's message to meet in Mumbai for discussions.
Kadu Issues a Warning
After extensive deliberations with Raju Shetti and other leaders, Bacchu Kadu informed the media, 'We will vacate the highway and move to a nearby ground. The future of the movement will be determined post-discussion with the Chief Minister in Mumbai.'
Kadu warned that if discussions in Mumbai don't yield positive results, a 'Rail Roko' movement might begin on October 31. He said, 'The movement has not ended. Until the farmers' grievances are addressed, we will not back down.'
Committee to Deliberate on Loan Waiver: CM
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated earlier on Wednesday morning in Pune, 'The government takes a positive stance on farmers' issues. A committee is already in place to consider loan waivers. Our immediate priority is to provide relief to flood-affected farmers. We've never opposed loan waivers.'
He appealed to Kadu to engage directly with the government instead of resorting to protests, as such demonstrations inconvenience the public and might benefit selfish elements.
What Farmers Demand
The primary demand of the farmers is complete loan waiver. Bacchu Kadu remarked, 'The heavy rainfall in September severely affected farmers in Central Maharashtra. The government made promises that remain unfulfilled. If the state lacks funds, the central government should assist.'
Other demands include Rs 6,000 per quintal for soybeans, a 20% bonus on all crops, the implementation of the Bhavantar scheme, crop compensation, and fair pricing. Kadu alleged that no crop fetches its full value in Maharashtra, whereas the Bhavantar scheme operates in Madhya Pradesh.
Additionally, demands for justice for differently-abled farmers and the clearance of the Satbara record have also surged. The protest has significantly attracted farmers from the Maratha community, symbolizing social unity.
